Military Acronyms: The Basics
MILITARY MEMBER
SM (SERVICE MEMBER) the military member
PT- (PHYSICAL TRAINING) Mandatory exercise to keep service members in shape
MOS (MILITARY OCCUPATION SPECIALTY) The job/career you have in the military
CAC (COMMON ACCESS CARD) ID card for service members, dependents, veterans, and military employees
MRE (MEAL READY TO EAT) A 3,600 calorie meal packaged in a wrapper. Universally despised.
MONEY
LES (LEAVE AND EARNING STATEMENT) A document detailing your service member’s paychecks including taxes, withholding, and leave.
BAH (BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING) Allowance for housing costs that is included in your servicemember’s paycheck
TSP (THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN) A government-sponsored retirement savings and investment plan
TRICARE Military health care program for service members & their families
COLA- (COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE) Compensation to offset living costs in more expensive areas
GENERAL
DOD (DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE) The US government agency including all branches of the military.
SECDEF (SECRETARY OF DEFENSE)
POC (POINT OF CONTACT) The person you contact about a specific program or assignment.
ROTC (RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS) College program to train for a branch of the military]
PX/BX- (POST/BASE EXCHANGE) Retail store available on a military base. A little bit like a small mall
MOVING
PCS (PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION) aka you are moving!
DITY (DO IT YOURSELF MOVE) A move where you will do it yourself & be paid by the military based on the weight you’re moving
DLA- (DISLOCATION ALLOWANCE) Reimbursement for the expenses that come along with a move
MILSPOUSE RELATED
DEPENDENT Spouse or child of a sponsoring military member for purposes of pay, benefits, privileges & rights.
DEERS (DEFENSE ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY REPORTING SYSTEM) The database your info will be housed in & must always be kept up to date for the correct benefits and payments
PCM- (PRIMARY CARE MANAGER) Your main doctor who can also refer you to specialists
EFMP (EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM) Program that gives support and resources for military family members that have any special needs
MFLC (MILITARY FAMILY LIFE COUNSELOR) A counselor available for free to talk through issues with dependents that are related to military life
OVERSEAS
OCONUS (OUTSIDE THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES)
CONUS (CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES) 48 connected states & District of Columbia
APO- (ARMY POST OFFICE) Post office located on an base
OHA (OVERSEAS HOUSING ALLOWANCE) Your housing allowance when you are overseas. This will replace your BAH.
CSP/NCSP (COMMAND SPONSORED, NON COMMAND SPONSORED) Whether the military is paying for you to be on a tour with your sponsor or not
